Vehicle wheel cover retention system and method for producing same

ABSTRACT

An improved vehicle wheel cover retention system and method for producing the same wherein the wheel includes a disc defining an outboard facing wheel surface and including an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange. The flange includes an outer surface having a circumferential, radially inwardly facing groove formed therein. The groove is defined by a generally axially extending first surface and a second surface angled relative to the first surface. The wheel further includes a wheel cover covering at least a portion of the outboard facing wheel surface. The cover includes an outer annular lip which extends into the groove and is positioned adjacent the first surface. The groove and the lip have a configuration which enables the lip to spring outwardly into the groove when the cover is pressed on the disc. The method for producing the vehicle wheel includes the the steps of: (a) providing a disc defining an outboard facing wheel surface and including an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange, the outboard bead seat retaining flange including an outer surface having a circumferential, radially inwardly facing groove formed therein, the groove defining an inner diameter; (b) providing a wheel cover including an outer annular lip which defines an outer diameter which generally corresponds to the inner diameter of the groove; and (c) moving the disc and the cover toward one another whereby the wheel cover initials deflects inwardly and then expands outwardly into the groove to secure the wheel cover to the disc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to vehicle wheels and, in particular, toan improved vehicle wheel cover retention system and method forproducing the same.

[0002] Full or partial vehicle wheel covers of the removable type arewell known, and have been used for many years to enhance the styling ofconventional, stamped wheel discs. Also, it is known to permanentlysecure a full or partial wheel cover to a vehicle wheel using anadhesive material.

[0003] One example of a vehicle wheel with a permanently secured wheelcover is disclosed in German Patent 2,813,412. In the German Patent, theedges of the wheel cover are profiled to be clamped or hooked intofitting grooves provided on the outboard face of the wheel to secure thecover to the wheel. Additionally, the cover can also be glue-joined tothe wheel.

[0004] Another example of a vehicle wheel having a permanently securedwheel cover is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,669,501 to Derleth. In theDerleth patent, a chrome-plated plastic wheel cover includes an outerperipheral flange which overhangs the outboard tire bead seat retainingflange of the wheel, an inner peripheral flange which seats against anoutboard surface of a hub sleeve, and an intermediate portion which isspaced outwardly from the face of the wheel. An expanding adhesivematerial is applied to the outboard surfaces of the wheel. When theadhesive material is expanded, it is operative to fill the void betweenthe wheel and the wheel cover to permanently secure the wheel cover tothe outboard face of the wheel.

[0005] A further example of a vehicle wheel having a permanently securedwheel cover is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,966 to Oakey. In theOakey patent, a cast aluminum wheel cover is secured to a disc of asteel wheel using a high density structural adhesive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This invention relates to an improved vehicle wheel coverretention system and method for producing the same. In particular, thevehicle wheel includes a disc defining an outboard facing wheel surfaceand including an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange. The outboardbead seat retaining flange includes an outer surface having acircumferential, radially inwardly facing groove formed therein. Thegroove is defined by a generally axially extending first surface and asecond surface angled relative to the first surface. The wheel furtherincludes a wheel cover covering at least a portion of the outboardfacing wheel surface. The wheel cover includes an outer annular lipwhich extends into the groove and is positioned adjacent the firstsurface. The groove and the outer annular lip have a configuration whichenables the outer annular lip to spring outwardly into the groove whenthe cover is pressed on the disc.

[0007] The method for producing the vehicle wheel includes the steps of:(a) providing a disc defining an outboard facing wheel surface andincluding an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange, the outboard beadseat retaining flange including an outer surface having acircumferential, radially inwardly facing groove formed therein, thegroove defining an inner diameter; (b) providing a wheel cover includingan outer annular lip which defines an outer diameter which generallycorresponds to the inner diameter of the groove; and (c) moving the discand the cover toward one another whereby the wheel cover initialsdeflects inwardly and then expands outwardly into the groove to securethe wheel cover to the disc. Preferably, prior to performing step (c),an adhesive is applied to one of an outboard facing surface of the discand an inner surface of the wheel cover and, during step (c), apredetermined spacing is maintained between the outboard facing discsurface and the inner wheel cover surface to effectively enable theadhesive to secure the wheel cover to the disc.

[0008] The construction of the vehicle wheel cover retention system isespecially advantageous when it is desired to produce a “chrome plated”wheel. It has been found that the cost of forming the cover, chromeplating the cover, and then securing it to the disc is substantiallyless that plating a wheel disc by a conventional process.

[0009] Other advantages of this invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an improved vehiclewheel constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a selected portion of thevehicle wheel illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0012]FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a selected portionof the vehicle wheel illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0013]FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a selected portionof the vehicle wheel illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 and showing analternate embodiment of the vehicle wheel construction.

[0015]FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the adhesive pattern for the vehiclewheel illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, and showing analternate embodiment of a vehicle wheel construction.

[0017]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, and showingyet another alternate embodiment of a vehicle wheel construction priorto complete installation of the wheel cover.

[0018]FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 after the wheel cover has beeninstalled.

[0019]FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a sequence of steps forproducing the vehicle wheel of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the step of loadingthe vehicle wheel on a six station indexing station.

[0021]FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the step of probingthe vehicle wheel.

[0022]FIG. 12A is an enlarged diagram of a selected portion of thevehicle wheel illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0023]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the step of applyingadhesive to the vehicle wheel.

[0024]FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the step of loadingthe wheel cover on a press station.

[0025]FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the step of installingthe wheel cover on the vehicle wheel.

[0026]FIG. 15A is an enlarged diagram of a selected portion of thevehicle wheel illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0027]FIG. 16 is a view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 14 illustrating aselected portion of the press station.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0028] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1and 2 a first embodiment of an improved vehicle wheel, indicatedgenerally at 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention.The vehicle wheel 10 shown in this embodiment is a full face fabricatedtype of wheel, and includes a partial rim 11, a full face wheel disc 12,a wheel cover 13, and a cap 14. However, it will be appreciated that theinvention is applicable for used with other wheel constructions. Forexample, the wheel can be a “bead seat attached” wheel (such as shown inFIG. 4 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,429 to Heck et al.), a “well attached”wheel (such as shown in FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,429 to Heck etal.), a one-piece cast or forged alloy wheel (such as shown in U.S. Pat.No. 5,078,453 to Siwek), or a wheel construction including a full facecast or forged wheel disc welded to a partial rim (such as shown in U.S.Pat. No. 5,360,261 to Archibald et al.), all of these patentsincorporated herein by reference.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rim 11 is a fabricated rimconstructed of steel, aluminum, or other suitable alloy materials. Therim 11 includes an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange 15, aninboard tire bead seat 16, a generally axially extending well 17, and anoutboard tire bead seat 18. The rim 11 further includes an opening (notshown) formed therein to accommodate a valve stem (not shown).

[0030] The disc 12 is a forged, cast, fabricated, or otherwise formed,and is constructed of steel, aluminum, or other suitable alloymaterials. The disc 12 includes a generally centrally located wheelmounting surface 19, and an outer annular portion 20. The wheel mountingsurface 19 is provided with a centrally located pilot aperture 21, and aplurality of lug bolt receiving holes 22. The lug bolt receiving holes22 receive lug bolts (not shown) which receive nuts (not shown) forsecuring the wheel 10 on a vehicle axle (not shown).

[0031] The outer annular portion 20 of the disc 12 defines an outboardtire bead seat retaining flange of the wheel 10, and includes an outersurface 23 and an inner surface 24, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. To assemblethe wheel 10, an outboard end 33 of the rim 11 is positioned against theinner surface 24 of the disc 12 and a weld 34 is provided to join thedisc 12 and rim 11 together as shown in FIG. 2.

[0032] As best shown in FIG. 3, the outboard tire bead seat retainingflange 20 of the disc 12 defines a radially extending outer end surface27, an axially extending inner side surface 28, and an axially extendingouter side surface 29. The disc 12 further includes a plurality ofdecorative windows 25 (five windows 25 being illustrated). In thisembodiment, one of the windows 25 includes a cut-out 25A (shown in FIG.4), to accommodate a valve stem (not shown).

[0033] The wheel cover 13 shown in this embodiment is preferably formedfrom stainless steel having a thickness of approximately 0.020 inch, andis painted or chrome plated. The wheel cover 13 is prefabricated togenerally match the particular configuration of the outboard facingsurface of the disc 12. In particular, the wheel cover 13 includes aplurality of openings 43 which correspond to the windows 25 formed inthe disc 12, and an enlarged central opening 44. One of the openings 43includes a cut-out portion 43A which generally corresponds to thecut-out 25A provided in the one window 25 of the disc 12 to accommodatethe valve stem.

[0034] The openings 43 in the cover 13 are preferably formed by astamping operation. Also, as best shown in FIG. 2, edges 45 of theopenings 43 preferably extend slightly past edges 26 of the windows 25to effectively overlap the edges 26 of the windows. As a result of this,when a wheel cover 13 which has been chrome plated is joined to the disc12, the completely assembled wheel 10 of the present invention has theappearance of a “chrome plated” wheel.

[0035] As shown in this embodiment, the cap 14 is secured to the disc 12by a plurality of fasteners 30 (only one fastener 30 being illustrated).The fasteners 30 extend through openings 31 formed in the cap 14, andare received in threaded inserts 32 which are secured in openingsprovided in the wheel mounting surface 19 of the disc 12. The inner edgeof the wheel cover 13 can either be located outside the edge of the cap14 (as shown in FIG. 4 at 45), or, alternatively, the wheel cover 13 canextend radially inwardly under the cap 14 (as shown in FIG. 5 at 46).

[0036] The outer surface 23 of the disc 12 shown in this embodiment isprovided with a circumferential, radially inwardly facing groove orrecess 40. Preferably, the groove 40 is formed by a machining operationto predetermined specifications. However, the groove 40 can be formed byother methods. For example, the groove 40 can be formed by a stampingoperation or a spinning operation.

[0037] As best shown in FIG. 3, the groove 40 is defined by a firstsurface 41 which extends in a generally axial direction, and a secondsurface 42 which extends in a generally radial direction a predetermineddistance X. In particular, the surfaces 41 and 42 are oriented atpredetermined angles A and B, respectively, relative to a reference lineC which is generally parallel to the wheel axis. The angle A is in therange of 0° to 30°, and the angle B is in the range of 60° to 120°.Preferably, the angle A is approximately 20°, and the angle B isapproximately 90°. As will be discussed below, the distance X isselected so that an outer annular lip of the wheel cover 13 ispreferably completely recessed within the groove 40.

[0038] As shown in this embodiment, the wheel cover 13 further definesan outer surface 50, an inner surface 51, an an outer annular lip 52.The annular lip 52 of the wheel cover 13 defines an outer peripheraledge 53 which is preferably slightly spaced from the adjacent secondsurface 42 of the groove 40 to form a gap 54 therebetween to accommodatesmall dimensional changes in the outer peripheral edge 53 of the wheelcover 13; however, in some instances, depending upon the uniformity ofthe edge 53 dimension of the wheel cover 13, there may be some contactbetween the outer peripheral edge 53 of the wheel cover 13 and thesecond surface 42 of the groove 40. Also, the outer annular lip 52 ofthe wheel cover 13 is prefabricated in such a manner (as shown inphantom in FIG. 3) that, when the wheel cover 13 is positioned on thedisc 12, an inner surface 55 of the lip 52 is biased outwardly againstthe first surface 41 of the groove 40. The outer peripheral edge 53 ofthe wheel cover 13 defines an inner circle 56.

[0039] In order to permanently secure the wheel cover 13 to the disc 12,an adhesive 60, such as a two-part epoxy, is utilized. A suitable,two-part epoxy is FUSOR 380/382 manufactured by Lord Corporation. Asshown in FIG. 6, the adhesive 60 is preferably applied on the outboardface of the disc 12 in a predetermined pattern as represented by theheavy lines consisting of an inner circle 61, an outer circle 62, andangled radial lines 63.

[0040] As will be discussed below, the pattern of the adhesive 60 isselected so that when the wheel cover 13 is installed on the disc 14, asmearing of the adhesive 60 over substantially the entire outboard faceof the disc 12 occurs. The adhesive 60 functions to permanently securethe cover 13 to the disc 12. Also, since the adhesive 60 coverssubstantially the entire interface between the cover 13 and the disc 12,it is effective to provide a seal and prevent water, mud, salt and otherdebris from entering between the cover 12 and the outboard facingsurface of the disc 12.

[0041] Preferably, the distance X of the second surface 42 of the groove40 is at least equal to the combined thicknesses of the wheel cover 13and the adhesive material 60 so that the inner circle 56 of the wheelcover 13 is recessed relative to the inner side surface 28 of theannular flange 20 of the disc 12. This effectively hides the outerperipheral edge 53 of the cover 13. This is also important to ensurethat the wheel cover 13 does not interfere with the installation of awheel balance weight 65 (shown in FIG. 7), on the outboard tire beadseat retaining flange of the wheel 10.

[0042]FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of a vehicle wheel,indicated generally at 69, having a wheel cover 70 which is similar tothe wheel cover 13 shown in FIGS. 1-3, except that the wheel cover 70has a styled configuration different from the associated wheel disc 73.This enhances the styling of the associated vehicle wheel as compared tothe disc 73. It also enables different styled covers to be used with acommon disc 73.

[0043] In particular, the wheel cover 70 includes a predeterminedprofile which positions an inner surface 71 thereof a substantialdistance from the outboard facing surface of the disc 73. In thisembodiment, an expandable foam adhesive material 72 is used topermanently secure the wheel cover 70 to the disc 73. Preferably, theadhesive material 72 is applied to the outer surface of the disc 73 in apredetermined pattern so that when the adhesive material 72 expands, itcovers substantially the entire interface between the wheel cover 70 andthe disc 73. The adhesive material 72 functions to permanently securethe wheel cover 70 to the disc 73, and prevents water, mud, and otherdebris from entering therebetween. Also, the wheel cover 70 includes anouter annular lip 73 which is prefabricated and secured in a mannersimilar to that discussed above with respect to the wheel cover 13 ofFIGS. 1-3.

[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 and using reference numbers whichrefer to same parts, there is illustrated a selected portion of a thirdembodiment of a vehicle wheel, indicated generally at 110 in FIG. 9,which is similar to the vehicle wheel 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3, except thatthe groove and the adjacent portion of the wheel cover shown in thisembodiment have a different structure than those illustrated in FIGS.1-3 to minimize paint damage by the cover during installation thereof.

[0045] As shown in this embodiment, the outer surface 23 of the disc 12is provided a groove 140. The groove 140 defines a first surface 141which extends in a generally axial direction, and a second surface 142which extends in a generally radial direction a predetermine distanceX′. In particular, the first surface 141 is generally parallel to thewheel axis and defines a first inner wheel diameter D1. As will bediscussed below, the distance X′ is selected so that an outer annularlip of the wheel cover 113 is preferably completely recessed within thegroove 140.

[0046] The wheel cover 113 shown in this embodiment defines an outerannular lip 152 which extends in a generally axial direction andincludes an inner surface 155 and an outer surface 156 which aregenerally parallel to one another and to the first surface 141 of thegroove 140. The inner surface 155 of the annular lip defines an outerdiameter D2 which is slightly greater than the first inner wheeldiameter D1 defined by the first surface 141 of the groove 140. As aresult, when the cover 113 is installed on the disc 112, the innersurface 155 of the lip 152 is biased outwardly against the first surface141 of the groove 140.

[0047] Also, the distance X′ of the second surface 142 of the groove 140is preferably at least equal to the thickness of the wheel cover 130 sothat the outer surface 156 of the annular lip 152 is recessed relativeto the inner side surface 128 of the annular flange 120 of the disc 112.This effectively hides an endmost surface or edge 153 of the wheel cover130. This is also important to ensure that the wheel cover 130 does notinterfere with the attachment of the wheel balance weight. In addition,the endmost surface 153 of the annular lip 152 of the wheel cover 130 ispreferably slightly spaced from the adjacent second surface 142 of thegroove 140 to form a gap 154 therebetween to accommodate smalldimensional changes in the endmost surface 153 of the wheel cover 130;however, in some instances, depending upon the uniformity of the endmost153 dimension of the wheel cover 130, there may be some contact betweenthe endmost surface 153 of the wheel cover 130 and the second surface142 of the groove 140.

[0048] Turning now to FIG. 10, a sequence of steps for producing animproved vehicle wheel 110 constructed in accordance with the presentinvention will be discussed. Initially, in step 200, a vehicle wheel,indicated generally at 220 in FIG. 11, is provided. The vehicle wheel220 includes a partial rim 11 joined to a full face disc 12 by a weld.Next, in step 201, preferably the entire wheel 220 is painted black. Instep 202, preferably only the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange20 of the wheel 220 is painted silver. Following this, in step 203, theoutboard facing surface of the disc 12 and the outboard tire bead seatretaining flange 20 are painted with a clear topcoat.

[0049] The wheel 220 is then transported to a six station rotary indextable and, in step 204, the wheel 220 is loaded onto a wheel supportfixture 230, shown in FIG. 11. The wheel support fixture 230 includes anupstanding center post 237 and an upstanding locating stud 231. Theouter diameter of the post 237 is slightly smaller than the diameter ofthe pilot aperture formed in the disc 12, and the outer diameter of thestud 231 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the lug bolt receivinghole formed in the disc 12. The stud 231 is provided to enable anoperator to load the wheel 220 on the fixture 230 in a predeterminedposition. In particular, the operator loads the wheel 220 onto the wheelsupport fixture 230 with the locating stud 231 extending through aselected one of the lug bolt mounting holes so that the wheel 220 issupported by fixture 230 with the valve stem hole cut-out portion 25A inthe one wheel window 25 located in a predetermined position relative tothe stud 231.

[0050] The wheel 220 is then indexed to Station #2 in step 205. As shownin FIG. 12, at Station #2, the wheel 220 is slightly lifted upwardly offof support fixture 230 by a pair of retractable arms 232 and 233. Thearms 232 and 233 are movable between an retracted position (not shown),wherein the arms do not engage the wheel 220, and an extended position,wherein the arms 232 and 233 are operative to engage the inner surface24 of the disc 12 in order to lift the wheel 220 off of the fixture 230as shown in FIG. 12. In the extended position, the stud 231 stillextends through the lug bolt hole to prevent relative movement betweenthe wheel 220 and the fixture 230.

[0051] Once the arms 232 and 233 engage and support the wheel 220, anannular plate 234 is moved downwardly and engages the outer surface 23of the disc 12 of the wheel 220. The plate 234 is operatively connectedto a probe 235, and is operative to determine a distance A, best shownin FIG. 12A, which represents the distance between an upper surface ofthe arms 232 and 233 and the outer surface 23 of the disc 12. The probe235 is operatively connected to a machine control 238 which receives andstores the distance A measured by the probe 235. Preferably, at the sametime, a valve hole detector 236 is actuated and is operative to identifythat the wheel 220 was correctly oriented on the fixture 230 by theoperator at Station #1.

[0052] Next, the wheel 220 is indexed to Station #3 in step 206. Asshown in FIG. 13, Station #3 is operative to apply the adhesive 60 to aportion of the outboard facing surface of the wheel 220. To accomplishthis, Station #3 includes a movable wand 239 which is connected via aconduit 240 to an adhesive reservoir 241. The wand 239 is connected to arobot control 242 which is operative to control the movement of the wand239 so that the adhesive 60 is applied in a predetermined pattern. Thewheel 220 is then indexed to Station #4 in step 207. Station #4 issimilar to Station #3 and applies adhesive 60 to another portion of thewheel 220 to complete the predetermined adhesive pattern.

[0053] Once the adhesive 60 is applied to the wheel 220 in steps 206 and207, the wheel 220 is indexed to Station #5 in step 208. At Station #5,a wheel cover 130 is loaded onto a cover support fixture 244 as shown inFIG. 14. As best shown in FIG. 16, the cover support fixture 244includes an annular metal disc 245, a segmented annular plastic ring246, and a plurality of suction cups 247 located at the breaks in thesegmented plastic ring 246. The plastic ring 246 is constructed of ahard plastic material, such as for example delrin, and preferably iscovered with a removable protective film or coating 248. The suctioncups 247 are constructed of a resilient rubber material. Also, alocating stud 249 is attached to the ring 245.

[0054] At Station #5, an operator positions the cover 130 on the fixture244 with the cut-out portion 43A of the one wheel window 43 located onthe stud 249. As a result, the wheel cover 130 is positioned and held onthe fixture 243 via the suction cups 247 in a predetermined position.Next, the fixture 243 is pivoted upwardly in the direction of the arrowR to the position shown in phantom.

[0055] Following this, the fixture 244 is moved downwardly and pressesthe wheel cover 130 onto the wheel 220 as shown in FIG. 15. Toaccomplish this, the wheel 220 is first supported by a pair of arms 232′and 233′ which are similar to the arms 232 and 233 discussed above. Oncethe wheel 220 is supported by the arms 232′ and 233′, the fixture 244 isactuated and is operative to press the wheel cover 130 onto the wheel220 to a predetermined position. In particular, the fixture 244 isoperatively controlled by the machine control 238 which received andstored the signal A measured in step 205 and using this stored signal,is operative to control the fixture 244 and press the wheel cover 130onto the wheel 220 and to space the outer surface 151 of the wheel cover130 a predetermined distance B from an outer surface of the arms 232′and 233′. The distance B is generally equal to the sum of the distanceA, the thickness of the wheel cover 130, and a desired adhesivethickness denoted in FIG. 15A as C. Thus, during step 208, the machinecontrol 238 is effective to accurately control pressing of the wheelcover downwardly onto the disc to ensure that the annular lip isproperly positioned in the groove and that there is a sufficientthickness of adhesive at the interface between the disc and the wheelcover.

[0056] The operation of pressing the wheel cover 130 onto the wheel 220is more clearly illustrated in the embodiment of the wheel 110illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0057] As shown therein, the suction cups 247 are operative to hold thewheel cover 130 as it is moved toward the outer surface 23 of the disc12. Initially, the outer surface 151 of the wheel cover 130 engages thesurface 128 of the flange 20 of the disc 12, shown in FIG. 8, and biasesthe outer annular lip 152 of the cover 130 inwardly. Further movement ofthe cover 130 toward the disc 12 is operative to move the edge 153 ofthe lip 152 past the second surface 142 of the groove 140 and allows theannular lip 152 to spring back so that the inner surface 155 of theannular lip 142 engages the first surface 141 of the groove 140. Thecover 130 is further moved toward the disc 112 until the outer surface151 of the cover 130 is a predetermined distance B, best shown in FIG.15 A, relative to the upper surface of the arms 232′ and 233′.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 9, during this movement, the suction cups 247collapse so that the plastic ring 246 is operative to engage theadjacent surface 150 of the cover 130. As a result of this, apredetermined distance C is maintained between the outer surface 123 ofthe disc 112 which was measured by the probe in step 205 and theadjacent inner surface 151 of the cover 130. It is important to maintainthis distance C to ensure that a sufficient amount of adhesive ispresent to create a sufficient adhesive bond to permanently secure thewheel cover to the disc during step 208.

[0059] It should be apparent that during the installation of the wheelcover, the inner surface of the outer annular lip of the wheel covercontacts and is dragged along the adjacent outer surface of the disc. Asa result of this, when a fairly rigid wheel cover is utilized (such as astainless steel wheel cover), damage to the paint on the disc can occurduring installation of the wheel cover. Applicants have discovered thatdamage to the paint on the surface of the disc can be minimized bycarefully designing the structure of the outer annular lip of the wheelcover, the outer surface of the disc, or preferably the structure ofboth the wheel cover and the disc. In particular, it is desirable todesign the wheel cover and the disc so that when the wheel cover isinstalled, there is as little as possible direct edge or point contactbetween the wheel cover and the disc. Thus, it should be apparent thatin the design illustrated in FIG. 3, the peripheral edge 53A (shown inphantom in FIG. 3) of the wheel cover 30 scrapes the inner surface 28 ofthe disc 12 as the edge 53A is pushed along the surface 28 duringinstallation of the wheel cover 30; however, in the design illustratedin FIGS. 8 and 9, the rounded portion of the wheel cover 130 initiallyengages the surface 128 of the disc 12 and then the inner surface 155 ofthe wheel cover 130 is pushed along the surface 128 of disc 12 duringthe installation of the wheel cover 130. The edge 153 of the wheel cover130 contacts disc 12 only after the edge 153 is moved past the surface128 and expands outwardly into the groove 140 as shown.

[0060] Following step 208, the wheel 110 is indexed to Station #6 instep 209, and the finished wheel 110 is unloaded from rotary indextable.

[0061] The method of the present invention can be practiced to produce avehicle wheel which includes a wheel cover 130, which preferably ischrome-plated, an outer portion of the outboard tire bead seat retainingflange of the disc, whihc preferably is painted silver, and having theremaining visible portions of the wheel which can be seen through thewindows in the disc painted black.

[0062] While the present invention has been described and illustrated asinstalling the wheel cover on a wheel assembly including a rim joined toa disc, the wheel cover can be installed on the disc prior to joiningthe disc to the rim.

[0063] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, theprinciple and mode of operation of this invention have been describedand illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must beunderstood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically explained and illustrated without departing from the spiritor scope of the attached claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A vehicle wheel defining an axis and comprising: adisc defining an outboard facing wheel surface and including an outboardtire bead seat retaining flange, said outboard bead seat retainingflange including an outer surface having a circumferential, radiallyinwardly facing groove formed therein, said groove defined by agenerally axially extending first surface and a second surface angledrelative to said first surface; a wheel cover covering at least aportion of said outboard facing wheel surface, said wheel coverincluding an outer annular lip which extends into said groove and ispositioned adjacent said first surface; and said groove and said outerannular lip having a configuration which enables said outer annular lipto spring outwardly into said groove when said cover is pressed on saiddisc.
 2. The wheel according to claim 1 wherein said second surface isgenerally perpendicular to said first surface.
 3. The wheel according toclaim 1 wherein said outer annular lip defines a peripheral edge spacedapart from said second surface to define a gap therebetween toaccommodate small dimensional changes in said peripheral edge of saidwheel cover and facilitate the installation of said wheel cover.
 4. Thewheel according to claim 3 wherein the entire peripheral edge is spacedapart from said second surface to define an uninterrupted gaptherebetween.
 5. The wheel according to claim 1 wherein said outerannular lip is biased against said first surface.
 6. The wheel accordingto claim 1 wherein said second surface extends a predetermined distance,and said predetermined distance is greater than the thickness of saidwheel cover.
 7. The wheel according to claim 1 wherein said firstsurface is oriented between 0° to 30° relative to the wheel axis.
 8. Thewheel according to claim 1 wherein said second surface is orientedbetween 60° to 120° relative to said first surface.
 9. The wheelaccording to claim 1 wherein said peripheral edge defines an innercircle, said outboard tire bead seat retaining flange defines agenerally axially extending inner side surface, and said inner circle isrecessed relative to said inner side surface
 10. The wheel according toclaim 1 wherein selected portions of said wheel cover are spaced apartfrom said disc.
 11. The wheel according to claim 1 wherein said annularlip extends in a generally axial direction and defines an axiallyextending outer surface and an axially extending inner surface.
 12. Thewheel according to claim 11 wherein said axially extending inner surfaceof said annular lip extends in a generally parallel relationshiprelative to said first surface of said groove.
 13. The wheel accordingto claim 12 wherein said axially extending inner surface of said annularlip defines a first diameter and said first surface of said groovedefines a second diameter slightly less than said first diameter. 14.The wheel according to claim 1 wherein said second surface is a curvedsurface.
 15. The wheel according to claim 1 wherein said wheel cover isa chrome plated stainless steel wheel cover.
 16. A method for producinga vehicle wheel comprising the steps of: (a) providing a disc definingan outboard facing wheel surface and including an outboard tire beadseat retaining flange, the outboard bead seat retaining flange includingan outer surface having a circumferential, radially inwardly facinggroove formed therein, the groove defining an inner diameter; (b)providing a wheel cover including an outer annular lip which defines anouter diameter which generally corresponds to the inner diameter of thegroove; and (c) moving the disc and the cover toward one another wherebythe wheel cover initials deflects inwardly and then expands outwardlyinto the groove to secure the wheel cover to the disc.
 17. A method forproducing a vehicle wheel comprising the steps of: (a) providing avehicle wheel defining an axis and including a disc defining an outboardfacing disc surface and an inboard facing disc surface; (b) providing awheel cover defining a cover axis, the wheel cover defining an innercover surface and an outer cover surface; (c) applying an adhesive toone of the outboard facing disc surface and the inner cover surface; (d)supporting the wheel and the disc in a coaxial spaced apart relationshiprelative to one another; and (e) selectively moving the wheel and thecover toward one another while maintaining a predetermined spacingbetween the outboard facing disc surface and the inner cover surface tothereby effectively enable the adhesive to secure the wheel and thecover together.